Slow Cooker Chicken Rice Bowl: Easy Weeknight Dinner

Slow cooker chicken rice bowl perfection is just a few hours away! Comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated, and this recipe proves it. Think tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and your favorite toppings all in one delightful bowl. The beauty of this slow cooker chicken rice bowl lies in its simplicity and ease of preparation.

Growing up, my grandmother always had a pot of something simmering, filling the house with warmth and delicious aromas. This recipe is a modern take on those comforting flavors, adapted for the busy lives we lead today. It’s a one pot solution that’s both satisfying and easy to clean up.

Why You Will Love This slow cooker chicken rice bowl Recipe

This recipe brings together the ultimate in comfort food with minimal effort. Imagine coming home after a long day to the savory aroma of slow cooked chicken, ready to be paired with fluffy rice and your favorite toppings. It’s heartwarming, flavorful, and unbelievably easy to make. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable to suit your tastes with some adjustments.

It reminds me of the first time I made it for my friends and the collective sigh of contentment that filled the room. That’s what makes this recipe so special; it’s more than just food; it’s a shared experience. It’s why this Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl is also a fan favorite. Follow us on Pinterest for more easy and delicious recipes!

Ingredients Needed for This slow cooker chicken rice bowl Recipe

• Chicken:

* 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Rice:

* 1 cup long-grain rice * 2 cups chicken broth

• Vegetables:

* 1 medium onion, diced * 2 cloves garlic, minced * 1 red bell pepper, diced * 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel)

• Seasonings:

* 1 tablespoon chili powder * 1 teaspoon cumin * 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika * 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) * Salt and pepper to taste

• Toppings (optional):

* Shredded cheddar cheese * Sour cream * Avocado slices * Cilantro, chopped * Green onions, sliced * Lime wedges * Salsa

How to Make This slow cooker chicken rice bowl Recipe

1. 1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.

1. 2. Add Vegetables and Tomatoes: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and diced tomatoes and green chilies to the slow cooker.

1. 3. Season the Mixture: Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper over the chicken and vegetables.

1. 4. Pour in Broth: Pour the chicken broth over the mixture, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged.

1. 5. Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.

1. 6. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.

1. 7. Add Rice: Stir the rice into the slow cooker. If the mixture seems too dry, add a little more chicken broth.

1. 8. Cook Rice: Cover and cook for another 30 to 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Don’t lift the lid too often or the rice will take longer to cook.

1. 9. Serve: Serve the slow cooker chicken rice bowl hot, topped with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, green onions, lime wedges, and salsa. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your preference before serving.

How to Serve This slow cooker chicken rice bowl Recipe

Serving this Slow Cooker Chicken Rice Bowl is where you can really get creative! I love setting up a “build your own bowl” station with different toppings for guests or family to choose from. Think shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, sour cream, diced avocado, some lime wedges for a burst of freshness, and a variety of salsas.

For a side, consider a simple salad or some cornbread. These bowls are also fantastic for meal prepping; simply portion out the rice and chicken into containers, then add your toppings just before eating. It’s an easy and delicious way to enjoy a home cooked meal all week long.

How to Store This slow cooker chicken rice bowl Recipe

Leftovers of this slow cooker chicken rice bowl can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days. Make sure to let the dish cool completely before refrigerating.

For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions in freezer safe containers. This is a great way to have quick and easy meals ready whenever you need them. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen bowl in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Adding a splash of water or broth during reheating will help prevent the rice from drying out.

Tips to Make This slow cooker chicken rice bowl Recipe

• Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to substitute the long grain rice with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option. You can also swap chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a richer flavor.

• Success Tips: To prevent the rice from becoming mushy, make sure to use the correct rice to broth ratio. Also, avoid lifting the slow cooker lid too often while the rice is cooking, as this can prolong the cooking time.

• Common Mistakes to Avoid: Overcooking the rice is a common pitfall, so keep a close eye on it after adding it to the slow cooker. Additionally, be mindful of the sodium levels in the broth and canned tomatoes, adjust the salt accordingly.

• Pro Tips for Best Results: For deeper flavor, you can sear the chicken breasts in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker. This will add a nice crust and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Helpful Notes for This slow cooker chicken rice bowl Recipe

For a spicier kick, add a chopped jalapeño pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. If you don’t have diced tomatoes and green chilies on hand, you can use a can of regular diced tomatoes and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.

You can also customize the vegetables to your liking. Corn, black beans, or even zucchini would be great additions. Make sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the type of rice you use. Brown rice, for example, will require longer cooking time than white rice. You might also consider trying this slow cooker cod bowl.

Variation of This slow cooker chicken rice bowl Recipe

For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with one can of rinsed and drained black beans and one can of rinsed and drained kidney beans. This will add protein and fiber to the dish, making it a filling and nutritious meal that is naturally gluten free.

For a southwestern twist, add a can of drained corn and a can of black beans along with the other ingredients. Top with a dollop of guacamole for that delicious southwestern flair. You can also experiment with different spices, such as a packet of taco seasoning, to customize the flavor profile.

Conclusion

This slow cooker chicken rice bowl is a winner for its ease, flavor and adaptability. I hope you enjoy experimenting with it and making it your own. From simple weeknight dinners to meal prepping for busy weeks, this recipe has you covered. Don’t hesitate to leave a comment or question; I’m always happy to hear your thoughts and experiences or what swaps you might have had with this slow cooker chicken rice bowl!

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